Hello all, [Butch wrote: Hello Nikoneers! Nikon recently(?) announced the release of the new AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6D ED. Is anyone familiar with this lens? I mean, is it sharp enough? And does anyone know how much it currently costs? <munch> Any information would be appreciated. Thanks.] I have this lens, but it is still new, so anyone feel free to correct me if any of the technical info is wrong. It seems pretty reasonable and is a convenient size, weight and zoom for my F50, although too slow to get nice blurry backgrounds at any distance other than really close... (Personal Opinion only). The only thing I don't really like about it is that it creeps very easily - the weight of the lens barrel itself is almost enough to zoom it when held pointing down, never mind any minor vibration. It comes with a plastic hood of dubious looking strength but as long as it really is "Nikon Magic Plastic" it should be OK judging from some of the other posts in this list. (The lens body is plastic by the way, which is OK if you like lighter cameras). Image quality seems fine, but I haven't had any big enlargements made yet, so perhaps someone else could comment. I can say that it is much better than the Sigma 28-200 I traded in for it, but I guess that is too be expected (also personal opinion). You mileage may vary but I find it quite difficult to handhold at 300 and it doesn't have a tripod mount. Get a monopod and stick the end in your belt - improves matters dramatically whilst still allowing for reasonable ease of movement and shutter speeds slower than 1/500 :)). Cheers Craig
